Jose Mourinho is set to make a dramatic return to Real Madrid after the club triggered his €3 million release clause at Benfica. The Portuguese manager, who left the Spanish capital in 2013, will lead a rebuilding project at the Santiago Bernabeu following a trophyless season that saw Los Blancos finish second to Barcelona.
According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez activated the termination fee on Monday, May 18, clearing the path for Mourinho to return 13 years after his previous departure. The club has already scheduled an announcement for the weekend, coinciding with the conclusion of the La Liga season. Mourinho is expected to succeed interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa and bring the winning mentality the dressing room requires after a disappointing campaign plagued by injuries.
Contract Terms and Negotiation Timeline
Mourinho has reached a verbal agreement on a two-year contract with Real Madrid, with negotiations progressing rapidly through his representative Jorge Mendes. The manager had previously suggested he might remain in Portugal, but the opportunity to manage one of Europe's biggest clubs proved irresistible. Perez views Mourinho's character and experience as crucial to restoring discipline and a winning mentality to a squad that needs significant restructuring.
During his three seasons at Madrid between 2010 and 2013, Mourinho won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Supercopa de Espana, establishing himself as one of the club's most successful managers. His return comes at a politically sensitive moment, as Perez recently called for new presidential elections, though he remains the driving force behind this appointment. The deal includes specific clauses designed to protect the club should any leadership change occur.
Mourinho has already identified key areas for improvement, particularly focusing on fitness protocols and squad rotation to prevent future injury crises. With the domestic season ending this weekend, Real Madrid appears ready to enter a new chapter under the returning Portuguese tactician.
